LIEBERMAN
Buzz from page 24
convention
in their backyard, religious
leaders in the area also had something
to say about the first Jewish nominee
to a major party ticket.
Set Differences Aside
R each...
Parents, educators, community leaders, government
officials, clergy and other concerned citizens who are
committed to quality Jewish education. Active,
affluent and influential, this audience is a critical
component of the community. Your advertising will
be seen, noted and appreciated.
Support...
The commitment to Jewish education and its
constant improvement with your firm's message.
Space
Reservation:
September 8, 2000
Grow...
Enhance your sales and your image in the
community as caring, committed and responsible.
Advertise in The Jewish News Education Special!
Detroit Jewish News
27676 Franklin Rd.
Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 354-6060
N
Maxie
Collision, Inc.
Jim Fleischer
"Since 1987"
•
32581 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
248-737-7122
mom
* * * * STAIRWAY LIFTS* * * * *
THE CAREFREE WAY TO
CLIMB STAIRS
When you're disabled, or just not able to move around
as freely as you once could, stairs can be a real prob-
lem. But there is a simple answer. The powered stairway
lift. Easily installed to fit curved or straight stairs. They
give you back the ability to move around your own
home. Folds back-gets in nobody's way.
CALL OR STOP BY FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION
I love any
Stairway Lift!
It takes me up
and down the
stairs with the
push of a but-
ton. Call for
details!
ACTON RENTAL & SALES
LARRY ARONOFF
(313) 891-6500 (248) 540-5550
REGISTERED ELECTROLOGISTS
Come and let us remove your unwanted
hair problem and improve your appearance.
;IN •
8/18
2000
26
Near 12 Mile Rd. between Evergreen & Southfield
Ask for Debby at 248•559•1969 (Appointment Only)
In both circles, some report an under-
current of concern among some Jews
that Lieberman's high Jewish profile may
prove a future embarrassment — "if
things go wrong."
Lieberman's centrist politics and his
criticism of Hollywood also bother
some, but even outspoken liberals feel
that the importance of electing the
Democratic ticket overrides any nuances
in ideological viewpoints.
Even though he might differ
on certain issues, Rep. Howard
Berman (D-Calif.), a liberal and
leader of the California delega-
tion, praises Lieberman's "ques-
tioning mind" and willingness to
try new approaches.
"I'm as much enthralled about
what Joe Lieberman is and what
he stands for" as "I am about the
fact that he is a Jew," says
Berman.
Mel Levine, one of Gore's top
foreign policy advisers, says, "I
have known Joe Lieberman for at
least 12 years. We don't agree on
every issue, but I know of no
more honorable man."
The chorus of praise is joined
by rabbinical leaders, regardless of
denomination, but they also note con-
cern among some congregants.
None of the concerned, whether in
the Democratic delegation or in a syna-
gogue, wanted to air their worries on the
record, says one leading Democratic
activist, because they don't want to hurt
the Democratic ticket.
President Bill Clinton confirmed this
view when he told a Sunday rally in Los
Angeles, "More and more people will
respect the fact that Sen. Lieberman
gives up all work and politics on the
Sabbath.
"I think it will be a good thing for
America," he added.
To some Jews, the very term
"Orthodox" smacks of sectarianism and
identification with the fervently
Orthodox, notes Schulweis.
"There is still a profound insecurity
among many Jews," he says, "but some
courage is required. We should not be
easily frightened."
We've seen a profound
change in attitude, so
that we can be both
Jews at home and
Jews in the street."
Which Generation
Many who are uneasy with the high
Jewish visibility, because of fear of later
retribution, represent an older genera-
tion, says Howard Welinsky, president of
Democrats for Israel.
"Whether we like it or not, we have a
higher profile in America than ever
before, and there is nothing we can do
about it, one way or the other," says
Welinsky.
"It's very interesting that many Jews
are so uncomfortable with `Jew talk' and
`God talk,'" says Rabbi Harold
Schulweis, a Los Angeles rabbi who is
one of the most respected national voic-
es in Conservative Judaism.
"By contrast, many Christians feel
quite at home with such talk and appre-
ciate it in a sincere man," he says.
— Rabbi Laura Geller
Jew On The Moon
Rabbi Laura Geller, a Reform rabbi and
liberal leader, says, "It is wonderful to
bring a faith commitment to the politi-
cal arena without blurring the distinc-
tion between church and state."
She agrees that those most uneasy
about Lieberman are older Jews, who
"reflect a world view that's dying. We've
seen a profound change in attitude, so
that we can be both Jews at home and
Jews in the street."
To Rabbi Hier of the Wiesenthal
Center, fear of excessive Jewish visibility
smacks of a ghetto mentality, while the
choice of Lieberman is "the political
equivalent of landing a man on the
moon.
In the entertainment industry, both
Jews and non-Jews have been grumbling
about Lieberman's outspoken condem-
nation of the sex and violence depicted
in Hollywood's products.
But even as staunch a liberal and
Hollywood icon as Richard Dreyfuss
agrees that his industry is far from
blameless.
"I'm not upset by what Lieberman
says," Dreyfuss says, "as long as he
doesn't ascribe all the world's sins to
Hollywood." ❑
"